New research indicates that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these medications need to be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
